random consumption lately

books, shows, hair scrubs, and the pasta sauce I can't quit.

Hey friends! So accutane (I just took my last pill on Sunday!!!) has been grueling for my eyes and made reading feel tiring very quickly. For that reason, I have basically stopped reading completely, which, to be honest, has been sort of fun. I feel like that's the opposite of what one is supposed to do, but for this season it's honestly been very enjoyable. For that reason I have binged a few shows and also fallen asleep listening to podcasts instead of with my kindle.

Before I go on it should be said I desperately want to enjoy thrillers but I am a very, very large scaredy cat. As a teenager I could not even watch Law and Order (which is unfortunate because that is what my parents chose to watch at night.) Finding things that meet the adrenaline pumping vibe without involving any sort of serial killer or home invasion can be hard to find, but I have had some success. Weirdly, I am not stressed out by more likely things like a cyber attack (if you are, don’t watch Zero Day!)

SHOWS

The Night Agent (Netflix): fast paced super easy watch. Nate and I binged this and I really enjoyed it! I don’t like scary and this was jumpy but not overly scary. There are a few home invasion type scenes so you’ve been warned.

Paradise (Hulu): Sterling K Brown and James Marsden!? LOVED! Couldn’t stop recommending it. The twist at the end of the first episode!?!? I’m waiting for a season two.

Zero day (Netflix): Ugh. Really wanted to like this one. It has Robert DiNero and Janice from Mean Girls for crying out loud! But it was slow, confusing, had too many loose ends…just not very good.

Martha Stewart (Netlfix): I thoroughly enjoyed this one and gave me a lot to think about. There was a quote at the end about how Martha went from being the perfect unrelated female everyone hated to falling from grace and being someone everyone could relate to and it was just really, really good.

With Love, Meghan (Netflix): I really don’t have strong feelings about Meghan Markle but this was hard to watch. It just lacks the ease of watching Ina Garden or Ree Drummond or, heck, Martha Stewart. It felt forced.

Cruel intentions (Apple TV): ok this movie is so twisted and yet so good! I hasn’t watched since high school and watching on a plane next to another person likely wasn’t the best idea 😂

Parenthood (Hulu): I am rewatching this and forgot how good it is. Being one of 4 (two boys two girls) I love the sibling dynamic.

(Currently) White Lotus Season 1 (HBO)…Nate and I are 4 episodes in and holy shit is it so weird and I LOVE it.

FOOD

Gaby’s Best Ever Bolognese: after trying this recipe I cannot stop it. The beschamel!!!! I double and freeze in 4-6 cup portions. I just ran out and will promptly make again soon.

The Defined Dish’s meatball method: Alex taught me to bake the meatballs for 20 minutes then finish the baking in the sauce and it’s perfection. Trust me. Even if you don’t make her recipe (I really riff it), do her method! Hack: prep these the same night you make Smash Burgers! We do Smash Burger Saturday followed by meatballs on #PastaMonday.

Peppermint patties: this has been my sweet of choice lately. I love the Dark Chocolate Peppermint Creams from Trader Joes. I also love the ones that come in a plastic tub from Whole Foods but they cost twice as much and that’s a lot for a peppermint candy.

Other sweet: this is my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipe. I love a flat, crispy on the outside chewy in the middle chocolate chip cookie and something about the tiny touch of apple cider vinegar (don’t knock it till you try it!) just works in this one.

Iced green tea with lemon: I buy the unsweetened green tea from Whole Foods and squeeze a ton of lemon into it. Just really refreshing in the afternoons and low on caffeine.

PURCHASES

Athleta is doing amazing things right now, specifically in this green “trillium” color! I have the tennis skirt and grid knit tank and love them. Something I have been on the hunt for is clothing for hot weather that still looks cute and let me tell you what a tennis skirt is really doing it for me. If you want to try one, I have tried many and this one from Target is the most comfortable around.

Crown hair scrub: this was gifted to me and I will 100% reorder when I run out. I luhhhvvvv it! Makes my hair feel so clean.

Gap barrel jeans in khaki stripe I am so excited for these to come in! Well, they did come in, in the exact same size I have them in green, and they are a solid two sizes tighter. I don’t get it, and its frustrating, but I really want to love them so ordered the next size up.

Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen: I use tinted suncreen in the morning but forget how much I love this stuff come summer. It goes on dry with this matte finish and is perfect for an afternoon sunscreen application when you already have makeup on. Not greasy AT ALL! *My code is KATES10 for 10% off and it will stack on their current 20% off sale!

I am sorry but Lands’ End is doing BIG THINGS for swimwear (and they seem to always be 30-40% off!). I wore this one piece to the beach today (loveeee the deep v and collar! can tie in the front or the back) and also have and love this one.

BOOKS

Onyx Storm: I loved the first two books of the Fourth Wing series and could not get into this one! I bought it so maybe I will try again later but DNF.

(Audiobook) Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. I am not through this one but really liking it. Makes me want to watch Greys Anatomy again, or try out How to Get Away with Murder. Also I will listen to any book read by the author.

(Just started) 100 Years of Lenni and Margot (first book cracked since being on accutane, woo hoo!) and three chapters in I am loving it. Came at the rec of a friend who reads a ton who I sent a desperation text of, “I am at the library. Tell me 3-5 books you have loved that aren’t romcoms.”

PODCASTS

Acquired podcast: Rolex: I adore this podcast. Super long episodes. Super deep dives. Loved learning about the history of watches and why Rolex is still on top.

“It’s not you: the real reason adult friendship is so hard and 3 ways to make it easier”. This appreciated this open and honest conversation on what is often a taboo topic.

How I built this: Mrs. Myers, Melissa and Doug, Bombas. I enjoy this podcast so much and feel like I get the inside scoop on companies I already love. It’s also nice to hear the parts of growing a business that are hard or didn’t work out as planned. Next one I have cued up is Dude Perfect, because what those guys have created is incredible.

This interview with The Chosen star Jonathan Roumie. We have been watching The Chosen (had been, really. We fell off the wagon but I deeply want to get back on because it’s such a good show) and this interview was really good. I had not thought about what it would be like to be the person that millions picture when they think of Jesus.

I think that’s it! Now that I will officially start reading before bed again I need some recs! What should I read? (Or watch. Or eat. Or buy.)

Until next time,

Kate